2026 The Endowment Park and Recreation Needs Assessment Survey
The New Hanover Community Endowment invites you to participate in the following community survey to help us assess how residents use parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities, athletic fields, and other public-use recreation spaces in New Hanover County and identify opportunities to expand and enhance recreational and athletic programming across the county. Specifically, your confidential responses to this survey will help us understand the interests, needs, and priorities of your household in relation to recreation, sports, and athletics.
What is this survey about? The Endowment is undertaking a comprehensive assessment of parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities, athletic fields, and other public-use recreation spaces across New Hanover County. The Endowment has retained Weston & Sampson to lead this assessment and to prepare findings and recommendations to inform our decisions about future investments.
As part of its work, Weston & Sampson will:
- Identify existing parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities, athletic fields, and other public-use recreation spaces, including fields, courts, and sports programs
- Gather input from residents of all ages regarding desired improvements, programs, and facilities
- Evaluate gaps in access to parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities, athletic fields, and other public-use recreation spaces, and recreational opportunities
This survey is designed to gather your input. ETC Institute will administer the survey to ensure data integrity, respondent confidentiality, and adherence to appropriate scientific and statistical standards. Your participation is essential to Weston & Sampson’s assessment and to help us make informed grant decisions that reflect the needs and interests of our New Hanover County residents.
If you have questions about the survey, the assessment or other opportunities to participate in our discovery process and share your input, please contact Terri Burhans, Community Development Network Officer, at tburhans@theendowment.org.